A machine dispensing connection IDs and passwords for free public Wi-Fi available in Japan was installed on August 1st on the second-floor arrivals area at Haneda Airport's International Terminal in Ohta Ward, Tokyo.

The machine, called "Wi-Fi Staff," was installed by Minato Ward, Tokyo-based Keihin Electric Express Railway Co., Ltd. and Keikyu System Co., Ltd., a group company of the railway operator. Wi-Fi Staff is intended to automate the application process for free public Wi-Fi services in Japan for the benefit of international travelers.

Keihin came up with the idea for the service due to the growing use of Haneda Airport by foreign visitors to Japan, while Keikyu System developed the dispenser. When the applicant runs a passport through the scanner, the machine dispenses a Wi-Fi connection ID and password. With the Wi2 300 one-time plan offered by Wi-Fi solutions provider Wire and Wireless to connect to its network, users can take advantage of more than 20,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across Japan, including along Keihin's lines and in its stations and trains. The time is limited to six continuous hours from initial login. One ID is issued for each person. The dispenser has a multilingual interface in English, Chinese (traditional and simplified) and Korean.

Keihin has responded to growing demand from international travelers in Japan by expanding its Wi-Fi environments in stations and trains, and installing the ID dispenser is another step forward in this effort.